Researchers found that pivoting planets with wobbling axes of rotation might maintain favorable conditions for life despite being far from their stars. This expands the idea of a habitable planet and where they might be found, particularly in systems with multiple gas giants.
A Stanford researcher found that pursuing concretely framed goals leads to greater happiness for givers, while abstractly framed goals may bring about unrealistic expectations. This study suggests reframing prosocial goals in more specific terms can increase personal happiness.
A new blood test, cMethDNA assay, has been developed to detect advanced breast cancer and monitor its response to treatment with high accuracy. The test detected cancer DNA in the blood of patients with metastatic breast cancers up to 95% of the time, making it a promising tool for early detection and treatment monitoring.
A new study by Mathew S. Isaac and Aaron R. Brough found that people are more likely to predict outcomes when items are grouped into larger categories. In a series of experiments, participants showed a bias towards wagering more money on winning the lottery if they had blue tickets rather than yellow ones.
A new study published in Developmental Psychology found that mothers' conversations with their children help them understand moral missteps and develop empathy. The study showed that these conversations have a significant impact on children's understanding of themselves as moral people, capable of both good and harm.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution have developed a new method to measure abscisic acid levels in individual plant cells, shedding light on the hormone's role in plant stress responses. This breakthrough tool has the potential to improve crop yields and inform strategies for mitigating the impacts of drought and climate change.
Researchers analyzed the gut microbiota of Hadza hunter-gatherers, revealing a unique microbial profile that supports their adaptation to a foraging subsistence pattern. The study found differences in gut microbiota between sexes, reflecting sexual division of labor and having implications for fertility and reproductive success.
A study by Michigan State University criminologists highlights the challenges faced by black women on probation and parole in poor urban areas. They find that social isolation and limited access to resources hinder these women's ability to stay clean, sober, and stable.
A recent analysis by the RECIST Working Group found that modeling target lesion tumor growth did not improve prediction of overall survival beyond other components of progression. The study also revealed that new lesions and non-target progressive disease were linked with worse overall survival in multivariate models.
Researchers found that pharmacist-led interventions show a significant improvement in blood pressure and cholesterol levels compared to current standard of care. Nurse-led care saw a 30% improvement, while pharmacist-led care achieved a 43% improvement in improving patient outcomes.
A 32-year study in Finnish Lapland found that 90% of moth species are stable or increasing, despite rising temperatures and precipitation. However, warmer temperatures reduced population growth rates, suggesting unknown ecological forces may be masking the negative effects of climate change.
Cases of diabetes and pre-diabetes in the US have nearly doubled since 1988, with obesity contributing to the surge. The burden of the disease is not evenly distributed, with higher rates among blacks, Hispanics, and the elderly.
A study published in PLOS Medicine demonstrates that mice with humanized livers can recapitulate the toxic effects of fialuridine, which caused liver failure in humans. The mouse model shows promise for detecting toxicity before human testing.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are developing a solid-state hydrogen storage system that can refuel forklifts in under three minutes, compared to hours of recharging. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the clean forklift market, offering direct cost savings and reduced expenses.
To predict finish times for nearly 6,000 runners who didn't complete the 2013 Boston Marathon, researchers developed a statistical procedure using pace data up to the last checkpoint. The KNN method proved effective in predicting completion times, and its potential use was expanded to assist with real-time predictions during the race.
A new study by David W. Taylor and Gregory J. Anderson found that consumers are willing to pay more for culturally significant crops, highlighting the importance of 'Culinary Cultural Conservation.' The research also identified key food groups, such as viandas, which are essential to recreating a sense of home.
A study found that women with higher body mass index (BMI) before or in early pregnancy have an increased risk of fetal death, stillbirth, and infant death. Women who are severely obese face the greatest risk, with a two- to three-fold increase compared to those with a BMI of 20.
Research reveals that a planet's tilt can increase its habitability by reducing the likelihood of freezing over. The study expands the habitable zone by 10-20%, doubling the number of potentially habitable planets in the galaxy. This discovery opens up new possibilities for life beyond Earth and its neighbor planets.
A Northwestern University study reveals that casual marijuana use is associated with significant brain abnormalities in emotion and motivation regions. The degree of abnormalities is directly related to the number of joints used per week, suggesting a potential link between recreational marijuana use and negative consequences.
Researchers have developed nanosensors to track the movement and distribution of the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) within plants. This allows for better understanding of ABA's role in drought resistance and plant growth under environmental stress, enabling future studies on how ABA helps plants respond to drought and other stresses.
Climate scientist Compton Tucker receives the 2014 Vega Medal for his work on remote sensing, measuring global land photosynthesis from space. His research has led to a 33-year data set invaluable for scientists studying Earth's climate.
Researchers develop a prototype of the world's first intelligent prosthetic liner to measure pressure and pulling forces at the interface between a patient's stump and prosthesis. The device aims to provide accurate measurements for optimal socket fit, reducing pain and discomfort for amputees.
A new study found that people perceive foods with rough textures to have lower calorie content. In laboratory experiments, participants consumed more soft than hard brownie bits when not focused on calorie content and vice versa when focused on it.
Researchers developed a new material to capture problematic polysulfides in lithium-sulfur batteries, increasing their lifespan. The battery's power capacity was maintained at 89% after 100 charge-and-discharge cycles.
A new study reveals that for adolescent girls, having a romantic relationship play out differently than they imagined it would has negative implications for their mental health. Relationship inauthenticity increases the risk of severe depression, thoughts of suicide, and suicide attempt among girls.
Scientists have discovered a correlation between the number of duplicated genes and a species' ability to adapt to novel environments. Higher numbers of these 'small-scale duplication genes' are associated with better adaptation, while lower numbers may hinder species survival.
The St. Elias Erosion/Tectonics Project investigates the role of glacial erosional processes in mountain belts, with a focus on southern Alaska's unique geology. Researchers found that fast-moving ice can remove rock at rates of centimeters per year.
A long-term study of bleeding patterns in women of multiple race/ethnicities during the menopausal transition found that prolonged and heavy bleeding is common, affecting up to 91% of participants. The research provides quantitative data on normal bleeding patterns, which can help alleviate concern and inform diagnostic approaches.
A novel screening process for early identification of infants at risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental learning delay (DLD) has been developed. The study uses biomarkers such as abrupt head circumference acceleration and absence of head tilt reflex to identify infants at risk by 9 months.
Researchers at Aalto University have successfully developed a novel nanocrystalline cellulose that effectively inhibits alphavirus infection in cells. The compound was found to prevent viral spread in 88-100% of cases, with no negative effects on cell viability.
Research from Oregon State University shows that handling frozen fish is a major cause of injuries on commercial freezer-trawlers and longliners. The study identifies specific hazards and prevention strategies to reduce injuries and fatalities in the fishing industry.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that obstructive sleep apnea raises the risk of osteoporosis, especially among women and older individuals. The study used data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance program to track 1,377 people with obstructive sleep apnea and comp...
Researchers found that soil pH, iron concentrations, and total cadmium levels are excellent predictors of biologically available cadmium for plants. Increasing soil acidity can also release more cadmium into the soil, while iron oxides bind it tightly.
A University of Manchester study reveals that infection after a stroke significantly worsens outcomes, with the immune system's response to the infection causing more damage. Researchers identified specific blood cells and molecules involved in this process, paving the way for potential anti-inflammatory therapies.
Scientists have solved a decades-old medical mystery by understanding the mechanism of action of amphotericin, an antifungal drug that has been in use for over 50 years. The researchers found that most of the drug aggregates on the exterior of membranes, extracting sterols out of membranes like a sponge, leading to cell death.
In a recent study, scientists document the importance of irrigated agricultural crops to the Long-billed Curlew, a species of continental conservation concern. The study highlights the need for allocating water reliably to wetlands and flooded agricultural lands to support the species' survival.
A recent discovery in Saturn's outer A ring has provided insight into the formation of moons. The 'Peggy' object, a small icy body, may be migrating out of the ring and becoming a new moon.
A new study published in The Lancet found that functional brain imaging techniques, such as PET and fMRI, can reliably predict which vegetative patients have the potential to recover consciousness. The research suggests that these techniques can complement standard behavioral assessments to identify patients with a higher chance of lon...
A study by researchers at KU Leuven predicts that deforestation in the Congo Basin could increase temperatures by 1.4 °C by 2050, with an additional 0.7 °C from deforestation-induced warming. This could lead to drastic temperature increases, threatening plant and animal species with extinction.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found chronic hypertension in pregnant women increases the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and neonatal death. The study analyzed nearly 800,000 pregnancies worldwide, highlighting the need for heightened surveillance and pre-pregnancy counseling.
A new study found that explicit identity marketing messages can undermine consumer agency and result in lower purchase likelihood for those who care deeply about their identities. Brands must consider this when creating campaigns.
Research by Timothy Church at Washington State University found that extroverted behavior leads to more positive feelings and upbeat behavior in people from diverse cultural backgrounds. The study also showed that individuals feel more extroverted when given the freedom to choose their own behavior.
A new study found that negative product reviews with polite markers can increase consumer willingness to pay and improve brand image. In experiments, participants showed greater enthusiasm for products described in reviews with polite customer complaints, perceiving the brands as more honest and wholesome.
Researchers optimize SeisSol for parallel architecture on SuperMUC, reaching a record-breaking 1.09 quadrillion floating point operations per second. This acceleration enables the simulation of more complex models and accurately captures seismic waves, advancing earthquake understanding and preparedness.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet successfully transplanted a regenerated esophagus into rats, showing regeneration of nerves, muscles, epithelial cells and blood vessels. The breakthrough could improve survival and quality of life for patients with oesophageal disorders.
Remnants of Tropical Depression Peipah continue to bring scattered thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rain showers across the southern Philippines. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued flood advisories for several regions due to the lingering storm system.
A new study by Stanford scholars highlights the importance of increasing genetic diversity among tiger populations to ensure their survival. The research found that maintaining about 90% of genetic diversity is necessary for the species' survival and recommends focusing conservation efforts on creating wildlife corridors and crossbreed...
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have solved a century-long puzzle by proving that Merkel cells are the initial sites for sensing touch. Their study published in Cell journal shows that gentle touch triggers action potentials in Merkel cells, mediated by the Piezo2 receptor/ion channel.
Researchers at Griffith University's Eskitis Institute have developed a new technique for discovering natural compounds with therapeutic potential. The new screening process involves nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and has identified a potential lead in the fight against Parkinson's disease.
Researchers analyze largest dataset of US minors working in the sex trade, finding that pimps initiate only 8.1% and control even fewer. Most young sex workers stay due to economic challenges, such as homelessness and restricted education opportunities.
Genetically modified neural stem cells have been shown to produce neprilysin, an enzyme that breaks down amyloid-beta, reducing its accumulation in the brain. The approach has shown promising results in two different mouse models, with a significant reduction in amyloid-beta plaques compared to controls.
A new computational tool in Molecular Biology and Evolution helps public health officials investigate disease outbreaks by analyzing genomic data, correctly inferring source cases and transmission clusters. The tool complements traditional epidemiology methods, providing valuable insights into outbreak dynamics.
A study of active US military personnel found higher rates of Graves disease among blacks and Asian/Pacific Islanders compared to whites. Hashimoto thyroiditis incidence was highest in whites, lowest in blacks and Asians.
A new study found that teenagers who have suffered a traumatic brain injury such as a concussion are at significantly greater odds of attempting suicide, being bullied and engaging in high-risk behaviors. They also have a higher likelihood of becoming bullies themselves and experiencing anxiety or depression.
Hepatitis C virus infects liver cells' energy centers, damaging mitochondria and recruiting proteins to eliminate damaged area. This process helps the virus persist in the body, making mitochondrial operations a potential therapeutic target.
Researchers identify E. coli O157:H7's mechanism of binding to plant cells using flagella structures, allowing it to anchor and multiply on vegetable surfaces. This understanding aims to reduce the risk of food contamination by targeting bacterial attachment.
A team of researchers led by Jane Wang from Cornell University has discovered a proportional control law in the tiger beetle's chasing behavior. The study reveals that the beetle uses a sideways force proportional to its prey's angular position to turn towards it.
A new nanoparticle called Cu-Cy has been discovered to slow tumor growth in lab studies when combined with X-ray exposure. The treatment shows promise as a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to existing photodynamic therapy methods.
Trade formalization in urban areas is expected to increase medicinal tree species cultivation, benefiting poor smallholder farmers. The study found that most traders prefer wild-sourced materials due to perceived higher potency, but farm-grown options are gaining acceptance.
New York University researchers found that computerized intervention may aid antiretroviral therapy, improving ART adherence and reducing sexual transmission risk behaviors. The study, published in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, showed a promising intervention for increased ART adherence and safer sex.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a new method to isolate single immune cells from the mouth, allowing them to study how these cells fight diseases. The method successfully isolated over 94% of the cells, enabling researchers to gain insights into treating oral cancers and other health issues.
Engineers at UC San Diego have created new ceramic materials that can store hydrogen safely and efficiently. The compounds are manufactured using a simple, low-cost combustion synthesis method, reducing production time and cost compared to traditional methods.
Research suggests that people living in societies promoting equality are more likely to donate money than those expecting inequality. When the need is uncontrollable, power distance does not deter charitable behavior, whereas communal relationships lead to a greater sense of responsibility to help others.
A team of University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers has developed a faster, cheaper and more accurate tool for diagnosing even mild cases of asthma. The handheld technology uses neutrophil cell function in a single drop of blood to diagnose asthma.
A new study using real-time audio recordings of parents practicing corporal punishment found that children were hit for minor infractions and then misbehaved within 10 minutes. The study revealed parents often responded impulsively or emotionally, violating best practices recommended by spanking advocates.
A new study has identified several risk factors for Ménière's Disease, including female sex, white background, age, poverty, and overweight status. The research also found links to immune system disorders and diseases related to the autonomic nervous system.
A new study reveals that eating rice is associated with better diet quality and lower body weight. Rice eaters show higher amounts of key nutrients like potassium, magnesium, iron, folate, and fiber, while consuming less saturated fat and added sugars.
The American Association of Anatomists announced its 2014 award winners, including Jeffrey Laitman for his work in human anatomy education and Drew Noden for his scientific achievements. The winners will receive medals, plaques, and honorariums, as well as opportunities to present lectures at the 2014 Annual Meeting at Experimental Bio...
A recent study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that restaurants providing 'low-calorie' labels on their menus may inadvertently cause people to eliminate healthy foods. The researchers suggested that by grouping low-calorie options together, restaurants can encourage healthier dining decisions.
Researchers used MRI to identify regional white matter damage in brain regions associated with chronic dizziness and vestibulopathy after concussion. The study suggests that MRI can speed the onset of effective treatments for concussion patients.
A study of nearly 1,000 mother-child pairs found prenatal SSRI exposure was nearly 3 times as likely in boys with ASD relative to typical development. Exposure during the first trimester increased risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), while third trimester exposure elevated risk for developmental delays (DD) in boys.
Scientists discovered a surprising collaboration between p53 and NF-kappaB proteins in immune cells, which can lead to increased inflammation. This finding may help develop new strategies to prevent inflammatory side effects of chemotherapy.
The TRMM satellite provided near-real time precipitation data for Tropical Cyclone Ita, estimating rainfall totals of up to 400 mm in northeastern Australia. The satellite also captured a 3-D image of the storm's structure, showing that some clouds were reaching heights of over 13 km.
Researchers have created nanoparticles that can deliver three or more different chemotherapy drugs to cancer cells, offering new hope for more effective treatments. The particles are designed to release the drugs in response to specific triggering mechanisms, reducing side effects and increasing efficacy.
A study using infant hair from rhesus monkeys found higher levels of cortisone and estrone in babies born to young mothers, suggesting a link between prenatal hormones and development. The findings raise questions about the impact on gender differences and chronic disease risk.
A new circadian gene named Chrono has been discovered to function as a transcriptional repressor of the negative feedback loop in the mammalian clock. Mice lacking this gene exhibit longer circadian cycles, highlighting its importance in regulating daily rhythms.
Researchers predict that Miami sea levels will rise by .3 meters to 1 meter by 2100, with areas experiencing constant flooding and mangrove loss. Long-term predictions could be available as early as 2020, providing 70 years of planning for coastal regions.
Severely obese individuals with low vitamin D levels exhibited reduced physical functioning and lower activity levels compared to those with healthy vitamin D levels. The study suggests that improving vitamin D status could enhance quality of life and potentially decrease mortality risk in this population.
A new study published in LGBT Health found that transgender individuals face significant healthcare disparities, including higher rates of substance abuse and HIV infection. The study highlights the need for improved data collection and analysis to address these issues and provide better care for this underserved population.
A team developed a sophisticated tool to characterize the functions of genes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a key subject for photosynthesis research. This breakthrough enables large-scale genetic analysis of the organism's mutants, leading to better understanding of cellular processes and potential applications in biofuel development.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute developed a vascular network system that heals fiber-reinforced composites autonomously through polymerization of healing chemistries. This technology overcomes long-standing challenges in composite materials, enabling repeated self-healing and increasing structural reliability.
A new study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society examines the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and cognitive impairment in older adults. The research found a strong association between low vitamin D levels and worse cognitive performance over time.
Researchers have identified two biomarkers, head circumference and head tilting reflex, to screen for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) at 9 months old. The study found that these infants were at risk for ASD or developmental language delay if they had a head circumference above the 75th percentile or failed the head tilting reflex test.
A groundbreaking nationwide study found that people of color are exposed to 38% higher levels of nitrogen dioxide outdoor air pollution compared to white people. The health impacts are substantial, with an estimated 7,000 deaths from heart disease among nonwhites each year if they breathed the lower NO2 levels experienced by whites.
A new study by LA BioMed Research found that a calcium score can predict heart disease risk among adults with minimal or no known risk factors. Adults with low to moderate calcium scores were more likely to die from heart disease than those with no calcified plaque buildup.
A new study using video surveillance found that caregivers wash their hands only 17% of the time after using the toilet, but rates increase to 71% when another person is present. Video surveillance can provide reliable information on hand hygiene behavior, even in resource-constrained settings.
A UNSW-led study found that 80% of 2012 Australian whooping cough cases were caused by pertactin-free strains, which may evade vaccine antibodies. The shift could reduce the vaccine's effectiveness in Australia.
International research group recognizes UTMB professors Frederick A. Murphy and Thomas G. Ksiazek for their groundbreaking work on filoviruses, including Ebola and Marburg viruses. The award acknowledges their decades-long efforts to develop vaccines and treatments for these deadly diseases.
Ring-tailed lemurs can match scents with sounds from the same female, indicating a stronger response when both cues are present. This ability may aid lemurs in detecting nearby individuals, as scents can linger after the animal has left the area.
A new study reveals a sensitive detection method that can identify small quantities of plutonium or highly enriched uranium in luggage, posing a significant threat to nuclear security. The approach combines commercially available spectral X-ray detectors with a specialized algorithm, enhancing the detection powers of X-ray imaging.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that antibiotics improve growth in pre-pubertal children living in low and middle income countries, particularly in terms of weight. The study analyzed data from 10 trials involving over 4,300 children and showed a positive effect on both height and weight.
Research finds brain differences in young adults who smoke marijuana at least once a week, including altered reward processing regions and shape/density changes. Casual marijuana use may lead to previously unidentified brain changes, highlighting the importance of studying long-term effects.
A new review from Drexel University finds that court decisions favoring heterosexual parents over gay or lesbian parents often ignore important social science research on parenting by gay and lesbian individuals. The researchers recommend considering this research to guide policy and inform judges' decisions in complex custody cases.
A meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials found that whey protein can lead to a decrease in body weight by 4.2 kg and body fat by 3.74 kg, while increasing lean body mass by 2.24 kg. Whey protein's unique combination of branched-chain amino acids may be responsible for these benefits.
A study found that active rats showed higher levels of brain development than lazy rats, suggesting a link between genetic predisposition for exercise motivation and mental maturation. The research suggests that exercising at a young age could help develop neural pathways for motivation.